How e-Learning Can Support PBL Groups: A Literature Review

Abstract

E-learning, broadly defined as all IT employed to support or improve the learning process of students, is becoming mainstream. Can e-learning also support the learning principles of problem-based learning (PBL)? This chapter focuses on how e-learning has been described to support PBL in groups working either face-to-face or online. A systematic literature search has been conducted. Characteristics of the 151 included studies are described, followed by a description of common ways to support PBL groups as well as examples of more innovative support. Two aspects of the PBL process are often supported: contextual learning and collaborative learning. There are only a few studies that focus explicitly on other aspects, such as support for activation of prior knowledge, cognitive elaboration, structuring and restructuring of information, and self-directed learning (although these aspects are frequently claimed as side effects of computer-mediated communication). Chances and risks of implementing e-learning in PBL settings are discussed, followed by conclusions and future directions.